A Family Doctor's Tale - DENTAL CARIES

DOC I HAVE DENTAL CARIES

Dental caries is the decay of a tooth or teeth in the mouth.
The tooth decay is brought about by the acid erosion of tooth enamel.

The cause of Dental Caries is:

Dental caries is caused by the action of the bacteria that lives in plague, a sticky coating of saliva and food debris that forms on the surface of the teeth.

Plague can occur in the mouth:
1.in the pits or grooves in the back teeth
2.in between teeth
3.around dental fillings or bridgework
4.near the gum line

These plaque bacteria convert sugar and carbohydrates in the food particles into energy and in breaking them down produce acids.
These acids dissolves the calcium and phosphate minerals on the surface of the tooth eroding the enamel or creating cavities called dental caries.
If the process is unchecked the enamel and the dentin underneath is destroyed resulting in infection of the pulp and permanent damage to the nerves and the blood vessel it contains.
 Early dental caries may be reversed if damage by the acid is stopped and the tooth is allowed to repair the damage naturally.

The Symptoms of Dental caries are:

The early stages of decay do not cause any symptoms and only regular professional examinations can help detect the decay in early stages.

Once the dental caries is established,
1.sensitivity of the tooth to hot/ cold foods and drinks.
2.Pain occurs when the dentin is damaged.
3.Visible pits or holes appear on the enamel

Dental caries is diagnosed by:

1.Dental examination .
2.X-rays if the dentist suspects hidden caries.

Treatment
1.scrape the teeth to remove plague
A flouride gel may be applied to protect the teeth from plague

2.If a cavity is present, the dental surgeon may fill the tooth with fillings made of dental amalgam in molars and premolars and composite resins for the front teeth.

3.in the case of a large cavity, the dentist will drill the decayed portion of the tooth, fill the cavity and cover the tooth with an artificial crown.

4.root canal treatment involves removal of the tooth’s pulp and replacing it with an inert material.

5.The entire tooth is taken out if the decay is very advanced

Preventing Decay
Tips for preventing caries include:
1.diet low in sugar
2.good oral hygiene:

a.Brushing teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
b.Cleaning between teeth daily with floss.

3.regular dental visits and assessment.

4.a protective plastic coating that can be applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay often starts.